THE FALL OF THE ASSAD FAMILY REGIME: A PIVOTAL MOMENT IN SYRIA'S HISTORY
The fall of the Assad regime, which ruled Syria with an iron fist for 55 years, represents a watershed moment in Syria's history. This event has granted a generation of Syrians, who knew no president other than the Assad family, a sense of liberation and hope for a new future. However, the repercussions of this collapse extend beyond Syria, reshaping regional and international balances.
MOST AFFECTED PARTIES:
Iran: Iran is the most severely impacted by the fall of the Syrian regime. It invested massive military and financial resources to support Assad's government and viewed Syria as a crucial pillar in its regional strategy. Assad's fall means eroding Iranian influence in the region and losing a primary channel for funding and supporting allied militias.
Russia: Russia, another regime ally, suffered significant strategic and economic losses. Despite the military and political support provided to Assad, the regime's collapse will weaken its influence in the Middle East and expose the limitations of its strategy in protecting allies.
The Syrian Regime: Naturally, the Syrian regime itself is the biggest loser, as its fall ends years of absolute oppression and control, accompanied by a loss of influence and power.
MOST BENEFITED PARTIES:
Turkey: Turkey is the most advantaged by Assad's fall. This development enhanced its regional influence and provided an opportunity to strengthen its national security, especially in confronting threats from armed Kurdish groups. Additionally, Turkey provided significant support to the Syrian opposition and hosted millions of refugees, reinforcing its position as a humanitarian and regional power.
Western Countries and the United States: By weakening Iran and Russia, the United States and Western countries indirectly benefited from the regime's fall. This development also strengthens the West's strategy of protecting its regional interests without direct military intervention.
FUTURE CHALLENGES:
Rebuilding Syria: Establishing a free and stable state in Syria will require enormous efforts and considerable time. Justice, freedom, and security are fundamental pillars for any new system, but achieving this faces strong opposition from regional and international parties.
Parties Opposing Stability: Several actors do not want to see a stable and prosperous Syria. At the forefront are Israel, which views a strong Syria as a potential threat to its interests, along with armed Kurdish groups like PKK and YPG. Iran and Russia will also work to obstruct any new regime that opposes their interests.
TURKEY'S PIVOTAL ROLE:
Turkey played a crucial role in supporting the Syrian revolution and hosting refugees. Through this role, Turkey has become the most influential country in the Middle East, expected to further enhance its position in the coming years.
THE UYGHURS' ROLE IN THE SYRIAN REVOLUTION:
The Uyghurs directly supported the Syrian revolution and fought alongside the opposition. However, their strategic goal must remain focused on achieving East Turkistan's freedom. Neglecting this objective could result in significant long-term losses for the Uyghurs.
IMPLICATIONS FOR AUTHORITARIAN REGIMES:
The fall of the Assad regime sends a powerful message to other authoritarian regimes, such as China, that suppressing populations is not a guarantee of survival. These events may indicate significant political changes in the future.
By Bilal Azizi
